Choose from 77 Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania
National Constitution Center
Hard Rock Cafe Pittsburgh
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Old City Hall
- Philadelphia’s Old City Hall is a must-see for history buffs.
- It’s located in Independence National Historic Park, and admission is free.
- Get there early to beat the crowds and avoid waiting in line.
- The building is accessible to wheelchairs through the west door.
Betsy Ross House
George Washington supposedly asked Betsy Ross to stitch the first-ever American flag. The seamstress is said to have created the Stars and Stripes in 1776. Today, visitors can explore the 18th-century house where Betsy Ross purportedly lived, examine artifacts from her life, and even meet a costumed Betsy Ross impersonator.
The Basics
Step back in time on a tour of the Betsy Ross House, dating all the way back to the 1740s, in Philadelphia’s Historic District. Explore the house’s narrow rooms, see 18th-century mementos, and learn more about the life of the famed seamstress on a self-guided or audio tour. Most visits to Betsy Ross House are combined with stops at other Revolutionary War–era landmarks in the vicinity.
Tours that call on the Betsy Ross House are often of the walking variety but you can also visit as part of a Segway excursion or as a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Betsy Ross House is the perfect destination for history buffs eager to learn more about Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War era.
- Visitors with mobility issues can access the ground floor and courtyard, but won’t be able to navigate the narrow staircases and upper floors.
- A ground-floor restroom and map of the house are available.
- Kids can meet a costumed Betsy Ross impersonator, learn how she stitched the flag, and listen to a special audio guide narrated in her voice.
- Pick up Philadelphia souvenirs at the Betsy Ross House’s gift shop.
How to Get There
Betsy Ross House is conveniently located on Arch Street, a short stroll from Independence National Historical Park and many of the city’s museums. If you’re driving, parking is available nearby at the Autopark at Independence Mall or National Constitution Center. There are also ample public transportation options, including SEPTA Regional Rail, the SEPTA Market-Frankford Line, PATCO, and numerous SEPTA or New Jersey Transit buses.
When to Get There
Betsy Ross House is open daily year-round, but closes on Mondays in the winter months. It’s a popular Philadelphia destination all-year long, but the summer months are particularly busy, when it hosts Flag Day celebrations on July 14, storytelling sessions, and First Friday outdoor movie screenings.
Other Historic Philadelphia Landmarks
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, the Betsy Ross House is also close to a number of other important landmarks from United States history. Combine a visit to the house with a trip to the Liberty Bell, a tour of Independence Hall, or a visit to the National Constitution Center. All are just within a few minutes' walk of each other and can be combined into a full-day American history tour.
Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia
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Please Touch Museum
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One Liberty Observation Deck
- Buy your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line at the ticket counter.
- Expect to spend about an hour taking in views of “Philly from the top.”
- The observation deck is accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and scooters, and offers restrooms and a gift shop.
- Guided tours are free with paid admission to One Liberty Observation Deck.
- There are numerous parking garages within walking distance of the tower.
Penn Station
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Magic Gardens
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President's House
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Ben Franklin National Memorial
- The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial is a must-see for history buffs.
- No admission fee is required to visit the memorial.
- Don’t miss the multimedia show that plays throughout the day.
- The memorial is accessible to wheelchairs, and offers restrooms and parking.
Rittenhouse Square
Christ Church
Known as “America’s Church,” this 1744 city landmark was the first Protestant Episcopal congregation, the post-Revolution version of a Royalist, Anglican church founded in 1695. Early parishioners included George Washington and Betsy Ross, and its cemetery hosts the remains of several signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, including Benjamin Franklin.
One of the most-visited sites in Philadelphia, the church is chock full of historic objects, including communion silver commissioned by England’s Queen Anne and mahogany cabinetry by some of the city’s most renowned woodworkers. Topped by a 200-foot-tall steeple, it was once the tallest building in America.
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Benjamin Franklin's Grave
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Reading Terminal Market
National Liberty Museum
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Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Heinz Field
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New Hall Military Museum
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Penn's Landing
- There’s an ADA-compliant ramp leading from Market Street down to Penn's Landing for those in wheelchairs.
- Restrooms are located below the Chestnut Mall and the Pagoda, just south of the stage on the Great Plaza.
- All events at the Great Plaza are held rain or shine; they’re also wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
- Visitors can bring chairs and blankets to any events or concerts at the Great Plaza.